Useful Searches

Lens Problem

I have a friend who appears to have a problem with a lens and asked for my help. I'm stumped other than saying, yup ... there's a problem!!

It's a AF Nikkor 35-70 f3.3-4.5. They are using it on a D70s, but I tested it on my D80. Something is really messing up the exposure and blowing highlights. Here are two pix. Both were taken within seconds of each other. I used my 18-135 in P mode, then the 35-70 in manual at exactly the same settings. (ISO200, f8, 1/250) These are totally unretouched.

My guess would be something in the aperture is amiss. I'd guess that the lens isn't stopping down. DOF preview might confirm this. Either that, take the 35-70 on manual and take a series of shots, each time, increase the f stop. If they all look the same, the aperture setting on the camera isn't getting to the lens. Could be a broken spring, you could take the lens and push at the aperture lever on the rear, or could be electronic.
Ok, I guess I didn't read the post carefully, my bad.
I'd still suggest doing the test with the 35-70, on manual, and do a series, compare results to what I said above.

I had an issue with an old 28-80 lens that had sat around unused. It did have an issue with not stopping down enough. So while it reported a certain aperture, it was actually shooting more open with the result being overexposed photos. My guess is your friend's lens had not been used in a while?

As Baywing suggested you can look at the aperature by setting the lens to it's smallest aperature (f16 or f22) and with the lens pointing away from you, and the aperature numbers on the top in the normal position, the aperature lever will be at the 3 o'clock position. Quickly flick the lever upwards and release it. Looking through the lens, the blades should respond quickly with no hesitation. If they seem sluggish or slow reacting, the lens may need cleaned. You could compare the action to that of your lens which is working properly.

Nikon Cafe is not affiliated with Nikon Corporation or any of its holdings.

Links in this page may be to our affiliates. Sales through affiliate links may benefit this site. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.